It is never too early for area non-profit organizations to apply for grant funding through the Coquille Tribal Community Fund. Although the deadline for the current round of funding is Aug. 31, Fund officials say applying early gives organizations greater opportunity to guarantee that their applications are complete and competitive.

“When organizations submit their applications early, our Fund administrator has more time to review the applications and alert organizations to problems or missing information,” said Sheldon Chase, chairman of the Community Fund’s Board of Trustees. “We want every application to receive the full consideration that it deserves.”

The Fund provides grants to non-profit organizations and public agencies for specific projects in the areas of education, health, public safety, problem gaming, environmental issues, arts and culture and historic preservation. In last year’s funding cycle, the Tribe provided over $342,000 to 39 community and civic organizations.

Chase added that most applicants can begin their search online. Grant-seekers in the five-county area of Southwestern Oregon – Coos, Curry, Lane, Douglas and Jackson Counties – can go to www.coquilletribalfund.org to get full information on the grant program and begin the application process by using an online form for submitting a letter of inquiry. The site includes all of the criteria governing what organizations and projects qualify for grant funding and step-by-step guidance on how to apply.

Information also is available by calling the Tribal Community Fund at (541) 756-0904, or by sending an e-mail to info@coquilletribalfund.org .

The fund reflects the commitment of the Coquille Indian Tribe to take a proactive, positive role in the well-being of the community. Funds are managed and distributed by a board of trustees comprised of community leaders and representatives of the Coquille Indian Tribe.

Representatives from 39 community groups gathered with Community Fund board members and Tribal leaders at the 2013-2014 Coquille Tribal Community Fund awards luncheon earlier this year.